Diagnosis

There's no one test that can determine if you have burning mouth syndrome. Instead, your doctor or dentist will try to rule out other problems before diagnosing burning mouth syndrome.

Your doctor or dentist will review your medical history and medications, examine your mouth, and ask you to describe your symptoms, oral habits and oral care routine. In addition, your doctor will likely perform a general medical exam, looking for signs of other conditions.

Oral cultures or biopsies. Taking and analyzing samples from your mouth can determine whether you have a fungal, bacterial or viral infection.

Allergy tests. Your doctor may suggest allergy testing to see if you may be allergic to certain foods, additives or even substances in dentures.

Salivary measurements. With burning mouth syndrome, you may feel that you have a dry mouth. Salivary tests can confirm whether you have a reduced salivary flow.

Gastric reflux tests. These tests can determine if you have GERD.

Imaging. Your doctor may recommend an MRI, CT scan or other imaging tests to check for other health problems.

Temporarily stopping medication. If you take medications that may contribute to mouth discomfort, your doctor may suggest temporarily stopping them, if possible, to see if your discomfort goes away. Don't try this on your own, because it can be dangerous to stop some medications.

Psychological questionnaires. You may be asked to fill out questionnaires that can help determine if you have symptoms of depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions.

Treatment

For secondary burning mouth syndrome, treatment depends on any underlying conditions that may be causing your mouth discomfort.

For example, replacing poorly fitting dentures or taking supplements for a vitamin deficiency may relieve your discomfort. That's why it's important to try to pinpoint the cause. Once any underlying causes are treated, your burning mouth syndrome symptoms should get better.

There's no known cure for primary burning mouth syndrome and no one sure way to treat it. Solid research on the most effective methods is lacking. Treatment depends on your particular symptoms and is aimed at controlling them. You may need to try several treatment methods before finding one or a combination that helps reduce your mouth discomfort.

Treatment options may include:

Saliva replacement products

Specific oral rinses or lidocaine

Capsaicin, a pain reliever that comes from chili peppers

An anticonvulsant medication called clonazepam (Klonopin)

Certain antidepressants

Medications that block nerve pain

Cognitive behavioral therapy

Lifestyle and home remedies

In addition to medical treatment and prescription medications, these self-help measures may reduce your symptoms and your mouth discomfort:

Drink plenty of fluids to help ease the feeling of dry mouth, or suck on ice chips

Avoid alcohol and products with alcohol, as they may irritate the lining of your mouth

Don't use tobacco products

Avoid spicy-hot foods

Avoid products with cinnamon or mint

Try different mild or flavor-free brands of toothpaste, such as one for sensitive teeth or one without mint or cinnamon

Take steps to reduce stress

Coping and support

Burning mouth syndrome can be uncomfortable and frustrating. It can reduce your quality of life if you don't take steps to stay positive and hopeful.

Consider some of these techniques to help cope with the chronic discomfort of burning mouth syndrome:

Practice relaxation exercises, such as yoga

Engage in pleasurable activities, such as physical activities or hobbies, especially when you feel anxious

Try to stay socially active by connecting with understanding family and friends

Join a chronic pain support group

Preparing for your appointment

You're likely to start by first seeing your family doctor or dentist for mouth discomfort. Because burning mouth syndrome is associated with such a wide variety of other medical conditions, your doctor or dentist may refer you to another specialist, such as a skin doctor (dermatologist), a doctor who specializes in ear, nose and throat problems (ENT) or another type of doctor.

What you can do

Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment:

Ask if there's anything you need to do before the appointment, such as restrict your diet

Make a list of your symptoms, including any that may seem unrelated to your mouth discomfort

Make a list of key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes

Make a list of all medications, vitamins, herbs or other supplements that you're taking, and the doses

Bring a copy of all previous consultations and tests you've had about this problem

Prepare questions ahead of time to help make the most of your time with your doctor or dentist

Take a family member or friend with you, if possible, for support and to help you remember everything

Some basic questions to ask your doctor or dentist include:

What's likely causing my symptoms or condition?

Other than the most likely cause, what are other possible causes?

What kinds of tests do I need?

Is my mouth discomfort likely temporary or chronic?

What's the best course of action?

What are the alternatives to the primary approach that you're suggesting?

I have these other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?

Are there any restrictions that I need to follow?

Should I see a specialist?

Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing?

Are there any printed materials that I can have? What websites do you recommend?

Don't hesitate to ask additional questions during your appointment.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor or dentist is likely to ask you a number of questions, such as those below. Be ready to answer them to make the most of your time.

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